Born in Newport, Rhode Island, to Patrick and Mary Martin, "Dino" served in the U.S. Army during World War 2. After a couple season of professional basketball with the Steamrollers (where he once held the BAA record with a 40-point game), he returned to De La Salle to coach basketball and tennis. He then took over the reigns of the basketball team at Boston College, where he stayed for nine seasons. He was a notable tennis player, being one of the higher-rated amateur senior players in Florida during his golden years.

He was married twice, the second time to Ruth in 1966, and had three daughters and four step-children.